Wednesday, March 28, 2012

**"Suckin at something is the first step to being sort of
good at it."****"‎"Whether you think you can or think you
can't--your probably right"--Stewie Griffin, Family
Guy

**It's Always
April Fools day at my house"** Some could argue that I am an over achiever,
and a fool year round. I seem to be an over achiever in all the wrong
areas!------In case your calander is in the shop. Or you just can not read it from your bunker shelter, it is 2012..... April 1st is right around the corner! I always recall onna my buddies, and my sisters birthdays because they are on the 1st. Even without the aid of Facebooks birthday reminders! We tend to ignore April Fools day in my house. Because I enjoy a good joke any time of the year. And because my wife was born in April, and has heard plenty of jokes dealing with the subject. Check out my blog last year *Titled its always April Fools day at my house*--about the first and last April Fools day joke I played on here, six years ago.

**"My 'get-rich-slow' scheme... is going to plan!"**

**" I had a crazy dream where I poisoned all my friends... Weird.. anyhow, this Sunday BBQ at my house "**---I have takin' advantage of rare sunny days, this time of year and gotten to bbq a few times already. And am hoping to again next week, if the sun decides to make an appearance again. Or the April showers just hold off for about an hour around dinner time. None of you are invited.

**"I like it Kitty style..... it's a lot like doggy style but with scratching and biting!"**

**"Aapparently boxers never have sex before a fight..... I'm guessing its because they don't usually like each other."**

**If a turtle doesn't have a shell, is she homeless or naked?**

**"I only diet between meals!"**---Garfield

So in my last blog I talked about the above blog. I am a follower to the blog and a real fan. I hope that some day my pictures are even half as great as many of them. I also hope that the owner doesn't mind me stealing his cover picture to talk about the sight. And that he doesn't mind me using the concept by posting a picture of mine in many blogs.

Please Check out my new page layout! Includes coffee daily facts, Sunsets, and Sally my new virtual sheep! Scroll all the way down the page to feed my sheep. Because sheep are safe! If you don't understand this by now, you are not my wife and are defiantly not a Wyoming native. Were I heard the maternity ward doctors now smack the new baby's on the butt and than hand the new borns a pair of velcro gloves.

As always please tell me what you think about my thoughts and the new pages. You can use the following handy dandy form to make this process easier. .....

Or better yet, scroll to the end of this blog, and leave me some comments. Or drop me an e mail. After I stop laughing, I will think about your ideas and will than reply to you. My 2nd blog is also going to start up in April. No foolin! It will be jam packed full of free and cheap things to do in and around Bellingham. With loads of pictures of the great area I once again call home. And rambling about my constant exploring. The exploring stories of course will get better when I am once again a licenced driver. Between both blogs and Facebook I can show a strong readership --so thank you all. And will try to incorporate advertising in a non ruining way to the new blog. Because it will be a start up page, that needs lots of work, the advertising will be very reasonable. If you are interested ---please contact me today.

New paint job on the main welcoming sign on State Street. Bellingham is full of great murals.

Today's photo of the day is an older picture of mine. Roaming around on campus in "09" on a rare snow day for the area. Snow was melting all around, and it was still warm enough to keep the water flowing. I defiantly can drive in snowy/crummy conditions, but have found it way safer here to walk than drive after a snow storm. Someone is very likely to run into me on the roads. I got many great shots this day.

Tonight I am also going to start a new addition to my blog. Were I post a picture from my roaming and exploring and the reader tries to decide were I was. The first ones will be very easy. Later on, I will offer prizes for identifying were I was. Kind of like a backwards wheres Waldo were Waldo is taking the picture. The first picture conveniently ties into tomorrow's blog.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Hello all!! I am very happy to report that today's post makes 240 blogs! In recent reading of my past blogs, I have found it brings back a rush of memories for me. These posts were also amusing to me, especially the older ones. Of course I grew up in Wyoming, and am very easily entertained. Apparently and thankfully, I am not the only one amused. I just hit 6100 views of my rambling, yesterday. I thank you all for this. And hope to jump this number very soon. **As always PLEASE share your thoughts and comments to my rambling. And pass on this web sight, if you like what you see. Thank you!

Yesterday also marked a week of being married to my amazingly wonderful wife. I am still not sure what I did to deserve her, but am overly thankful I did it. Check out my last post for some pictures and thoughts on our big day. So yesterday I ended up on my first doctor visit since moving back to Washington. Even though the office is in a close town millage-wise, it takes 3 buses one way, to get to the sight. Among other things the DR decided that I have a hernia. I soon after learned that this is passed down through my dads side of the family. Yeah me, but there are certainly much worse things that can be passed down. My wife instantly announced how she will be by my side when I do go in to get it operated on. Any good mate would, I have been by her side in many a hospital. To many for sure. But this all means so much more to me, because I highly highly despise hospitals. Almost to the phobia level. And because I have never had anything operated on. This is all in the future, but of course I will keep everyone up to date on. If for no other reason, it gives me filler for my blogs.

I am a little worried about down time. Worse case recovery time is 6-8 weeks. And I see myself going beyond stir crazy. I do not sit well at all. Again more to write about. I have previously written about 2012 gloom & doom, all of which we have so far survived. The 22nd of this month, was another date that was supposed to be very devastating to west coast residents. My wife amusingly, had a friend of ours very worried about the reports that day. And she was was soon calling relatives and removing her cats from her residence because she lived in a multi level home. Which might collapse if an earthquake hit the area. On that day all of the cosmos were supposed to align, causing a huge act of nature. Not huge enough to bring on an accopsolipse, but to majorly annoy a large section of the population. Not as laughable since that date, I have seen reports about small earthquakes all along the west coast. One just down the road from here. All of the large mountains from Alaska, down are also showing a lot of activity, and beyond due for a enormous eruption. Many of the resent small earthquakes are areas that do not usually show activity. Does all this rumbling mean something big is in the works?

On a more cherry note. Spring actually visited us last week. And in true North West fashion, I walked around squinting. Wondering what that dam bright light in the sky was. At some point I went Frisbee golfing for the first time. It was a quick trip--hitting three holes. Because we had other events filling the day. This adventure was in Cornwall Park. I plan to write a whole blog very soon --just about the many awesome parks in this great town. With lots of pictures of course. Anyways, this got me thinking about past golf experiences. I do not have many to report actually. I usually would just go along to drive the golf cart and down beverages. This being possibly the only place you are legal to drink and drive. I believe last time I went we talked to the course manager five times. Who knew it was against code to not wear shirts on the courses. Or pants for that matter? The only other related experience was another beverage filled night of my past, were we decided to smack golf balls down the road. Not the best idea, but many things seem better ideas, the more booze hits your stomach. Now on to some actual pictures from weeks past. I will post some more very soon from exploring down by Boulevard Park and beyond in the actual sunshine.

So two weekends ago, April and I had an actual date. Those of you out there that are single or have no kids might scoff and or laugh. But with three kids, it is an amazing feet to pull of some times. Her and I have had very few actual dates in the last six years. Something we are going to work on starting next month. She really deserves pampering and being woo'd. And I have to say we both looked great!

We had a very good dinner out. And than went to the Up- Front Theatre downtown. We had never been before. And were instantly glad that we had purchased our tickets online. Because they ran out of tickets very early in the night. For those that don't know, the theatre is local owned. Always a plus. Ryan Stills from the Drew Carry Show, is also a part owner. And sometimes he drops in for a performance or two. I have meet him, standing out front before. This was a night full of improve comedy. By several very talented artists. They assure that no two acts will be the same, because everything said comes off the tops of there heads. And the ideas for acts come from the audience. It was a very entertaining and amusing show. Although the 1st act was defiantly better. And of course my company was grand! I highly recommend this place for a great night of entertainment. Ticket prices are more than reasonable. The show was great. It is a very easy place to get too. Refreshments including booze are also available in the lobby. Every table in the room has a candle. You can also win free tickets off of Facebook. Later in the night we returned to a kid free house. And got to enjoy each other. And chilax. The next morning we got to actually sleep in! It's the little things for sure!

Today's picture of the day Just above! This was takin last winter in Farihaven, WA. And it shows that even the local signs need umbrellas around here. You can actually tell residents that are not locals, by if they are holding an umbrella. People that grew up here, or are used to the rain, would not be caught dead holding one. Between Oregon and Washington, I have grown my webbed feet for sure. But it is still a little hard to wake up to gloomy gray skies many a morning. The rain is usually very kool, since it comes right off the coast line. One of the few things I enjoyed about living in Arizona, was the monsoon season. The rain comes in full down pour, but it is a very warm rain. The kind you want to be out in and enjoying. Mainly because before the rain hits, it has been 100 + outside for weeks! Soon my pictures of the day will be current pictures. As always they will be pictures I personally take. I have to say I stole this concept from the blog sight---- Bellingham picture of the day. These are all amazing pictures for sure. Next I want to incorporate a picture were you can guess were I was exploring that day. The pictures will start out very easy. And as I get more readers, and guessers---I will add prizes to anyone that can guess were I was. My fingers are getting sick of typing ----and all the coffee is making me antsy, so I will share about the St Patty's parade and beyond in the near future. As always thank you for visiting my blog. And Happy Trails!!!!

Sunday, March 25, 2012

First off I would like to thank all of my readers. Today I passed 6000 views! Not to shabby for a blog on such a boring subject---me. Thank you all! Please pass on the web sight and think about becoming a follower. Also as always~~ Leave comments and feed back. It helps me fine tune my thoughts and writing. Be it good, bad, or ugly thoughts --My blog loves comments! Speaking of love......

I have been on again off again dating this great gal who now shares my last name for over six years now. Actually October will be 7 years some how. I would not trade any of our time together for anything in the world. She and her kids have taught me something new almost daily. And she is the most caring, loving, big hearted person I know. By far.

My blog started in Washington state as a couple. A couple that thought they were getting married. Than went with me as I went back home to Wyoming a single and broken shell of a man. Than follows me back to Washington state, my 2nd home for sure. As we daily grow our relationship. If you did not catch the wording in my last blog, how it went from calling April my girl friend to calling her my wife, I repeat that just now. Last Monday we went down to the court house and got married! A simple ceremony that many may frown on, but I thought was beyond great! Made even greater by the joy in her eyes, and the joy on my face reflected in her beautiful eyes. Some people may see this as the cheap way to go. But I learned years ago at Wally World, not to say anything was cheap, except possibly the shoppers. It was the most beneficial way right now to finally do what we maybe should have done years ago.

We forgot to tell everyone about the ceremony, so if you know us, and are just learning the news, after you get over the shock, we are still waiting for your wedding present to us! No, we are making fun of your shocked look, and waiting for you to wish us good luck or whatever is customary in your country. My parents did know, but they live states away and would not be coming to the ceremony for sure. The only others that knew ahead of time, were the kids, and our two witnesses/picture takers. Both did a great job at both tasks, I must add. Not telling realitives here, also kept from having a packed court house. And the possiablity from taking the focus off of us and putting it on others. Besides having four kids and two near kids *(the witnesses) to keep track of was plenty.

For all family & friends, the ceremony for you is coming. On May 25th 2013 to be exact. And we can't wait to see you there! When there is more on the sight, I will share our wedding web sight. So that you can visit and "ooooh" and "awe" over what an attractive couple we are. And you can watch the count down of how many days till you too get to see my bride in her awesome wedding dress. I believe the number of days is just over 400. Luckily we only have 800 days worth of things to do to get ready.

Our cheering squad!

So soon April and I will have three dates to recall. A fun task for someone who can't usually recall his own birthday without Facebooks help. October 31st. Not our actual first meeting anniversary, but a very special day in both our books for sure. And it's Halloween! March 19th. Our wedding day. It's hard to believe that tomorrow, we will have been married a week already. And starting next year --May 25th. Having the date stamped on all of our wedding pictures, may help me though....

The morning of our ceremony was pretty laid back at our house. In fact one of my friends was giving me crap, because I was on Facebook, telling her that I was getting married that very afternoon. She said only I would be online before such a big day. I replied by telling her that my than fiance, was also online.

I was meeting one of our witnesses at the court house and had the youngest son with me. Noting that April was running late, because of her ride, we went the the 2nd level of the court house, to make sure the judge did not go anywhere. Needless to say April was more than a little flustered when she did arrive. But she looked beyond beautiful. It was a little strange that her driver knew the judge and our other witness was related to her, but hey it's a small town! We got right down to paper work and picking which ceremony the judge would perform for us.

I believe this one picture explains it all. And again proves that I am the lucky one by far!

We had a few minor flubs along the way, but the bride did not run out of the building screaming. So I consider it win win, at least for me.

After a deal sealing kiss we became one. And we eventually all went back to the house for some food and a few shots of booze. And of course a heart shaped pizza.

I would like to say that I have not posted a blog lately, because we have been on a great honey moon. One that's greatness was the true start of the recent nearby earth quakes. And although it has been an mostly awesome week, we really didn't go any were. Next weeksend her and I take off for what we are calling our honey moon. And some much needed R & R in Seattle.

Thank you to everyone who has stood by us for the last six years. And listened to me grumble and sob. But thank you most to April Adams who saw something in my all those years ago. And wouldn't let me be another that got away. I love you forever and a day!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

The past week or so has flown by. It has been a great time full of bonding and family time. And tons of exploring. Above is the start of a great trail. This post is an attempt to tell about the events that might have slipped through the cracks. It is also to be attempted in mostly pictures. Let your eyes rejoice! As the tittle says--this is part one of events and exploring. I hope you enjoy even half as much as I did. And as always~~~~~Happy Trails!!

Stairs leading to? This is beside our church. And there isn't much else to say. I just thought the picture turned out pretty kool.

Another neat church in Fairhaven.

This is now someones houses. But I think it is beyond kool!

Another storm moving in. Imagine that.

Looking down on were the Alaskan Ferry parks.

Again down by the bay. It is strange how most of my exploring ends up down by the water. But it makes for great exploring and even greater pictures.

With three kids and a dog to go exploring with, many hikes start in Farihaven Park also. Trails lead out of every direction of the park. And it is very near our back yard. More pictures of this beautiful park coming soon.

Even the signs have umbrellas in Washington state!! This is an older picture. We have not seen snow here for awhile now. Although spring has not yet sprung here. I have heard this morning it is snowing just south of us in Oregon. And my parents have rubbed in that it was 70ish outside back home in Wyoming. Now it is our turn!

I took this picture last Saturday on the way to the St Paddy's Day parade. More on the parade in a second. That day we say rain, sleet, and a little sunshine. Anyways, the sign says "save the water." And by the looks of it, even though the even has not happened yet, we are doing an awesome job at this event already here in Washington!

Two Fridays ago we went to the Larabee school up on the hill and saw the reptile man. He brought his animals all the way from Monroe, WA to share! I have never been to the zoo, but can say it is family owned, and sounds well worth the visit. The show was great, the speaker very amusing. Although I still can't say I like snakes at all! Above is a relatively young turtle. He is kind of cute. Possibly because he is not a snake. I note that all of these pictures were takin' by my beautiful wife.

Above this lil crock is "sleeping" Rub above there heads and there body temperature relaxes and lowers and the animals go to sleep. He advices never to try this on a full sized gator!

In case I have not mentioned it, I hate snakes. And have been known to scream like a girl a turn very white faced when seeing them in the wild. In my defence they were mostly very large rattle snakes. But one or two might have been garden snakes also.

About the middle of the show the show started switching to snakes. And my wife watched my eyes and reactions much more closely than the show. I was a little on edge, but the animals were a distance from me, and there was a large ring/buffer of kids on the floor in front of us that the snakes would have to get through before they reached us.

This is about the time the evil announcer started describing a very quick black snake that he had. I am not sure what snake he was talking about, because I was already a little on edge by this point. I do recall how deadly and lightning quick he said this particular snake was. He went into great detail as he described how hard they are to handle and how dam fast they were, as he started to reach into the crate.... At the same time that he let our an ear splitting yell, several black streaks sprung into the air. Flying at the crowd. Most of the crowd flew backwards. And I was more than ready to wait in the car for the rest of the show. To bad we do not have a vehicle. The snakes were actually fabric, much like the snakes in those joke peanut containers.

I would like to be able to say at this point that I handled it all well and just laughed it off. But I think I hated the ring leader just a lil bit at this point in the show. April swears I was about to cry. I will deny this, but here's an after shot for you to judge all that. After she caught her breath, and stopped laughing at me.....

I believe the gal beside me is laughing at me also.

Part II is coming soon!

**Spoiler alert**

April & I have a date night, The St Patty's Day parade, more exploring &